It's official: Lum is Lehigh's starting quarterback

Lum started three games last year to replace a slumping J.B. Clark, but he struggled as well in Lehigh's 4-7 season, and Clark eventually got the job back.

But Lum, a native of Lake Orion, Michigan, has made vast strides since last season with improved passing accuracy, knowledge of the offense and adjusting to the team's various protections.

"Chris was our most consistent player at the position throughout the off-season," Coen said. "And in talking with [offensive coordinator] Dave Cecchini and the rest of our offensive staff, it was pretty much a clearcut decision."

That said, the No. 2 guy, sophomore Michael Colvin, "can be a dynamic player" according to Coen.

"He's still learning and getting better," Coen said.

Colvin is definitely effective in wildcat situations with the dual threat.

But the job belongs to Lum and Coen is confident the team will rally around him, even though they had great respect and admiration for Clark, who left the team last week when informed he was in the No. 3 position in the preseason quarterback battle.

"His completion percentage is the big thing," Coen said. "Throughout preseason camp, he was completing 70 percent of his passes. And that's something we need. Last year, we only completed 49 percent as a team and that's why we struggled to maintain drives."

In his first start last year, Lum completed 22 of 42 passes for 269 yards against Harvard. He finished the year with 564 yards passing for five touchdowns.

The potential is there.

And right about now, everyone involved in the program is eager to move forward after what had to be a few stressful days considering the rare departure of a two-time Lehigh-Lafayette game MVP like Clark.

"I know the circumstances are most unusual," Coen said. "I have been fielding calls about it all day. Being the competitor that he is, J.B. couldn't see himself as a third-team quarterback and I can appreciate that.

"He's disappointed and hurt, and it has been real uncomortable for him and his family. From my standpoint, it was nothing personal. I had to make the decision and put on the field what I feel are the best players and the guys who are most likely to help us win games. J.B. knows I have been his biggest advocate. I must have said 100 times that he's an awesome kid. And I still feel that way."

Coen said he was stunned by Clark's reaction, but added that the one thing he has learned in three decades of coaching is: "Never be surprised."

Current Comments

Andy Coen sucks as a coach. Bring in Dave Checcini. This was Dave Cechinni's call. Otherwise, Coen would still be putting in the dreaful JB Clark of softy land Jupiter, FL.

Good call Checcini. Coen, get out of Checcini's way.

Posted By: Vince Lombardi | Aug 27, 2010 4:42:16 AM

Do you believe this guy? Now he's going to polish up his public relations image. YOU CUT THE MVP OF THE LAFAYETTE GAME BEFORE ANOTHER DOWN WAS PLAYED. And yes you CUT him. You knew DAMN WELL what his response was going to be. YOU CAUSED IT. And when your team has ANOTHER losing season in 2010; you can look at the University from the rear-view mirror.

Posted By: Joe Hoffman | Aug 27, 2010 3:56:42 PM

Honestly, as an alum, all I can say about the Coach Coen era is that it has been an embarrassment for what was once the premier program in the league. From the day he was hired where he expressed his "three yards in a cloud of dust" philosophy, this program has been doomed. You can't grind it out in the patriot league, you just can't recruit enough big, strong, dominant athletes.

Don't let the door hit you in the behind on your way out.

Posted By: phillychuck | Aug 31, 2010 6:38:12 PM

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